MELAKA: A 21-year-old cook has claimed trial to a charge of voluntarily causing grievous hurt to an elderly security guard at an apartment here.

The accused, Herman Rivae, recorded his not-guilty plea before Magistrate Khairunnisak Hassni on Tuesday (May 7).

According to the charge sheet, the accused had hit S. Vethanayagam Joseph, 68, causing serious injuries, at Pangsapuri Laksamana Cheng Ho 2 in the Melaka Tengah district at 8am on April 29.

The accused had used the wrong lane to enter the apartment grounds and was reprimanded by the victim.

The charge was framed under Section 325 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of up to seven years and a fine upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Wardah Ishhar prosecuted while the accused was represented by lawyer Muhammad Izzuddin Ab. Malek.

The court granted bail of RM5,000 with one surety and fixed June 7 as the next mention date.